Sliding shower doors are highly popular among homeowners, especially those who want a modern but fully functional and clean bathroom. They’re space-saving, stylish, and often easier to use than traditional doors that swing open. So, they are usually added to bathrooms to upgrade their looks and increase the overall value of a home.
However, just like other parts of your home, they can also start to show problems over time. Moreover, most people are unaware of how to adjust sliding glass shower doors if they do not function properly, leading to costly repairs or even complete failure. That’s why we are going to discuss some common problems with the sliding shower doors and some simple ways you can try to fix them.
The Door Won’t Slide Smoothly
One of the most common problems is a door that doesn’t slide properly. It may feel stuck or make a scraping sound. This issue usually happens when dirt, soap, or grime builds up in the track or rollers.
Cleaning the track with warm water and a cloth can fix this issue. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach spots and check the rollers for any damage. In addition, apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to help the door move better.
The Door Comes Off the Track
If your sliding shower door keeps falling off the track or feels loose, it could be due to worn-out rollers or a damaged track. It can make the door unsafe and hard to use if not fixed timely manner.
First, lift the door carefully and place it back on the track if it has slipped off. Secondly, check the rollers to see if they are broken or loose and replace them immediately. Make sure the track itself is clean and not bent out of shape.
Water Leaks from the Door
Water leaking from a sliding shower door can be very frustrating. If you see water pooling outside the shower after every use, there could be a gap or worn-out seal.
Check the rubber or plastic seals along the edges of the door. If they’re torn, cracked, or missing, replace them with new seals from a hardware store. Also, make sure the door is sitting properly in the track and the frame is sealed tightly.
The Door Is Misaligned
A door that doesn’t sit straight or rubs against the frame when you try to slide it is likely misaligned. It is a common issue that occurs due to daily use.
Simply loosen the screws on the rollers, adjusting the height of the door slightly, and then tightening them again can fix this issue. Make sure the top and bottom of the door are even and parallel to the frame, and adjust both sides if needed.
Glass Is Wobbly or Moves Too Much
Shower doors should feel firm and safe. If your glass panel shakes when you slide it or tap it, that’s a sign that something’s not right. It could be due to loose clips, brackets, or rubber gaskets that hold the glass in place.
Check all fittings and tighten or replace them as needed. Make sure the glass is not cracked or chipped before making any adjustments.
Handle or Towel Bar Is Loose
A wobbly handle or towel bar can make the door harder to use and might even fall off. It usually happens when the screws inside the handle become loose.
You can usually tighten these screws from the inside using a small Allen key or screwdriver. If the handle is damaged or cracked, it’s best to replace it.
The Door Is Noisy
If your shower door makes a squeaking or grinding noise when it slides, it could be due to dirty or dry rollers and tracks. It can get worse if not fixed timely.
Clean the tracks and rollers thoroughly and apply a small amount of lubricant made for sliding doors. Don’t use oil-based products, as they can attract more dirt.
The Door Won’t Stay Closed
Sometimes, a frameless sliding shower door won’t stay closed. It may slide open slightly or not line up properly with the edge due to misalignment or loose parts.
Check if the rollers are adjusted correctly and tight the screws or adjust the height of the door so it meets the wall properly when closed. Some doors have small bumpers or magnetic strips that help them stay shut. Make sure these are clean and in place.
Final Thought
Sliding shower doors are the best choice to upgrade your bathroom look and functionality, but they need proper care and maintenance. By looking for common issues and fixing them timely can significantly add to their life span. If you’ve tried these tips and your door is still giving you trouble, it is better to call in a professional or consider replacing the door.
